This work presents a didactic experience of social history in the field of Nursing. In particular, it aims to show how film documentaries are an ideal medium for the training of human resources in the specific field of social sciences in general and of nursing in particular. The documentary allows us to observe the expectations and the imaginary of certain social groups, and to listen and see the direct participants. Said contribution, then, is put in tension with the class readings and the experiences of the students themselves.